I’ve been on a road trip to Black Mountain in search of a great beer. My travel companion and I left Monday morning at 9:45 and were back in town by 7pm. I might have been tired, but my car was full of Pisgah gold. That’s beer geek talk for great beer.  Steve Kruger, owner of Purple Abbot Distributing and President of Triangle Beer Meet-up group drove with me. I like to drive, but I always seem to be more alert when someone talks to me. Who better to take on such an adventure with (outside my husband)?

Not only could he tell me all about the beers, but we talked about wine and the many obstacles we both had to overcome to get our businesses going. The drive was beautiful and actually very easy. Thank goodness for GPS. I would have been lost in a warehouse district of Black mountain, had the GPS not suggested I turn right on this small side street. As we drove back into a forest of metal warehouse, we happened upon a picnic area. Filled with Adirondack chairs, wooden picnic tables and 2 awesome grills, with 5 green portable potties near by, we knew beer Mecca had to be near buy. Another right turn and we found the “RED DOOR”. I was surprised at how excited I was entering this large warehouse and happening upon a lovely wooden bar with at least 10 Pisgah brews on tap. I don’t know if it was the excitement of knowing I’d be the only store in the triangle with Pisgah or if it was the wonder of what all the hype was about. After introducing myself, I was offered an opportunity to taste the 3 beers we were picking up. I knew I couldn’t say no. Steve took the opportunity to taste every other beer on tab and enjoy a glass of his favorite. Ohhh, the joys of being the passenger on such an enjoyable day trip. The first beer I sipped, was the Pale Ale. Pale in color, almost light blond, it had amazing character; soft citrus and floral aromas with spicy notes. I was impressed with how much flavor was inside this light colored brew. The Solstice, a Belgium tripel, was even more impressive. It had a great head with lively aromas; yeasty and spicy with juicy fruit notes. Coriander and clove tickle your tongue when drinking this awesome beer, so much so I wish I had bought more. The Solstice was my favorite until I tasted the Porter. Sorry, solstice, but that sun has set. The Porter was like my favorite cup of coffee. Dark and compelling with coffee, cinnamon, chocolate and blackberry notes. Can we say yummy? Did I mention all of Pisgah’s brews are certified Organic. I think I just heard a bunch of tree huggers drop their recycling and start their cars. You better hurry, we don’t have much, but we will be getting more in November.